It may surprise you to know that your nose can affect your teeth and vice versa. Nearly 40 million Americans suffer from sinus infections each year, and a 2016 study found that 20 percent of those sinus infections reported are related to oral health problems. Let’s take a look at the relationship and how it may affect you.
The Sinus-Tooth Relationship
Sinus infection most commonly occurs in the maxillary sinuses, the ones located in the upper jaw area underneath the eye sockets and near the back of the cheekbones. The bone separating these sinuses and your molars is incredibly thin. If your teeth or gums get infected in that area, it is very easy for that infection to spread to your sinuses. Conversely, if nasal congestion or allergies cause sinus infections, the bacteria can migrate into the bone, gums, and roots of your teeth, causing pain and abscesses.
Don’t Ignore the Symptoms
You might say to yourself that it’s just an allergy and it will go away. Sometimes that may be the case. However, if pain persists or seems to spread, you will want to see us to eliminate oral issues being the cause. Symptoms could include:
- Pain around your nose, cheeks, and eyes
- Pain that radiates to your ears, teeth, or upper jaw
- A sore throat or cough that won’t go away
- Bad breath that can’t be refreshed with good oral hygiene habits
- Pain that worsens when sitting more than lying down
- Unpleasant persistent discharge (typically yellow or green) from the nose or down the throat
- Pain affecting multiple teeth
Left ignored, infection can cause severe damage to sinus cavities, teeth, and gums, and sometimes it could lead to bone loss. Resolving underlying oral issues may eliminate even chronic sinusitis in some cases.
The best way to prevent problems like these, as well as other oral health issues, is to follow proper guidelines for care and to schedule regular checkups to stay ahead things before they develop into major problems. If you are in Boca Raton, Florida, or the surrounding areas, contact our office for a consultation or appointment today.
